Friday, August 28, 2015

R.I.P. Al Arbour (November 1st, 1932 – August 28th, 2015) R.I.P.

Al Arbour Passes Away

The New York Islanders are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of legendary coach and dear friend Al Arbour

“Al will always be remembered as one of, if not the, greatest coaches ever to stand behind a bench in the history of the National Hockey League,” Islanders President and General Manager Garth Snow said. “The New York Islanders franchise has four Stanley Cups to its name, thanks in large part to Al’s incredible efforts. From his innovative coaching methods, to his humble way of life away from the game, Al is one of the reasons the New York Islanders are a historic franchise. On behalf of the entire organization, we send our deepest condolences to the entire Arbour family.”

Arbour was named head coach of the Islanders at the start of the 1973-74 season. He stood behind the Islanders bench for 19 seasons, putting together one of the most illustrious coaching careers in NHL history. Arbour led the Islanders to a total of 15 playoff appearances, won 119 career playoff games which is a NHL record for most with one club, currently sits second all-time in wins and games coached in the NHL (behind Scotty Bowman) and won four straight Stanley Cup Championships (1980-1983), which is a mark no team has met since. Throughout the Islanders domination in the early 1980’s the team put together 19 straight playoff series victories, which still stands as the longest such streak in all of pro sports...

...he was elected into the NHL Hall of Fame in 1996. Arbour also won the Jack Adams Award in 1979 as the coach judged to have contributed the most to his team’s success. — NHL

Al Arbour, Coach of Islanders’ 1980s Dynasty, Dies at 82 — New York Times

DID YOU KNOW? 4 Stanley Cups as a player, 4 Stanley Cups as a coach along w/ 19 consecutive playoff series wins between 1980 and 1984...a feat that remains unparalleled in the history of professional sports.